6 things you'll immediately want to do on your Disney Cruise Line holiday.

Put on your Mickey ears, text your besties and get ready to book the trip of a lifetime because Disney Cruise Line is finally coming to Australia and New Zealand. (Yep, I know. Cue all the squeals.)

For the first time ever, Aussies and Kiwis can enjoy the enchantment of Disney Magic at Sea with limited two-to-six night cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland during spring and summer of 2023/24. And stress not if you haven’t secured your spot on board yet, there is still some limited space left!

Disney cruises are like no other, with experiences to ignite imaginations and delight the whole family – and if you haven’t experienced the Disney magic yet, then you are in for a treat.

It’s a super-sized feeling of happiness and wonder that can be so beautifully overwhelming (I actually cried the first time I visited the Disneyland Resort in California with my daughter), and watching your children’s faces light up with the joy of meeting some of their favourite characters will become one of your most treasured memories. 

Here's absolutely everything you must do as soon as you jump on board the Disney Wonder, ready to experience Disney Magic at Sea. 

1. Experience delicious (and imaginative) Disney dining.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus some snacks and ice-cream are included in the price of the cruise, and you can refill at soft drink stations around the ship. I’m most excited about the 24 hour room service – yep that's included too.

But one of the most magical things about dining aboard is some of the very special guests that often join you. 

One of the best dining experiences is Tiana's Place, a restaurant that features live jazz music, delicious New Orleans dining and enchanting storytelling, creating special moments your children will never forget. Oh, and an appearance of Princess Tiana herself!

There's also the Animator's Palate which offers an unbeatable dining experience, all while celebrating the art of animation and imagination.

The whole family will be entranced as sketches of some of your favourite Disney characters come to life on the walls around you in an experience that will give everyone those very distinct Disney goosebumps. You can even draw your own character and watch as it becomes part of the show. Families around the world love the Animator's Palate and it is a Disney dining experience that is not to be missed.

Tiana's Place. Image: Disney Cruise Line. 

2. Meet some of your favourite Disney Characters. 

Meeting Disney Characters is always a highlight for kids at Disneyland Resort, and Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto will all be aboard the ship, ready to meet their Aussie and Kiwi friends.

They’ll be joined by special friends from Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel in curated character experiences and surprise visits throughout the cruises.

In fact, any budding super heroes on board will get to live out their dreams as they join the Marvel Super Hero Academy. They'll get to train with some of their favourite Marvel Characters for a truly unique experience.

3. Watch incredible Broadway-quality shows and entertainment. 

Disney shows are nothing short of spectacular, and Disney Magic at Sea has up to three Broadway-quality live performances in the stunning Walt Disney Theatre that you just can’t miss, including Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

You'll also get to cheer on some of your favourite Marvel Super Heroes as they join forces in another live experience called Marvel Heroes Unite.

For more ‘pinch me’ entertainment moments, snuggle in together and watch Disney movie classics under the stars or in the palatial Buena Vista Theatre. You also might even catch some new releases. 

Image: Disney Cruise Line. 

4. Cool off in one of the on board pools.

The ship has two fabulous pool areas: the AquaLab water playground with Dory’s Reef for smaller kids and the spectacular Twist 'n' Spout slide for the older ones, and Goofy’s Pool where all the family can splash, swim and soak in the main pool and two fun whirlpool spas. 

Your whole family will love making memories poolside. 

5. Experience the magic of Disney storytelling.

Drop off the kids and let their imaginations run into overdrive as they make friends and play in an interactive, sensory space at Disney's Oceaneer Lab, full of Disney themed games and activities. 

Disney's Oceaneer Lab features a multi-area replica of Andy’s room from Toy Story where the size of the toys make the kids feel toy-sized themselves! Slide down the Slinky Dog slide and keep an eye out for characters who may drop in to say hello. 

Kids can also explore the Frozen themed rooms, and be guided by specially trained Disney youth counsellors. How. Good.  

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6. Take a timeout

While the kids are being entertained, it’s time for a little adult time. 

You might like to take a dip in the Quiet Cove pool area for a relaxing escape or get pampered at the indulgent Senses Spa. For adults only dining, you can enjoy sophisticated Italian cuisine at Palo restaurant, sip a cocktail at the Cadillac Lounge or enjoy a beer at the Crown and Fin pub.

Every moment of Disney Magic at Sea will be unforgettable. So, am I looking at booking as I write this? You betcha.

Don't miss out on experiencing Disney Magic at Sea sailing from Australia and New Zealand from October 2023 until February 2024. 

If you haven’t secured your spot on board yet, limited space is still available. Find out more online or via your preferred travel agent.

Feature Image: Disney Cruise Line.